5 Underrated Targets For Arizona Cardinals In Free Agency

Getty Images

When the Arizona Cardinals started the 2013 season, they only had four wins heading into the bye week. While it looked like the Cardinals would have another mediocre year, the team ended up with a 10-win season. The Cardinals have a very interesting mix of young and veteran players, but the the team needs to make a Super Bowl run within the next two years because of the age of the veteran players.

It took quarterback Carson Palmer almost half of the season to get familiar with his offense, but Palmer helped propel Arizona to a winning year. Even with a veteran quarterback leading the team in 2014, the Arizona offense still has some very troubling issues at one of the most important positions in the NFL. Palmer does not have the strongest of backups, and his 22 interceptions in 2013 can't be ignored.

The Cardinals have an intriguing mix of youth and experience at the wide receiver position. Larry Fitzgerald has been the leader of the offense for years, but second-year player Michael Floyd finished the 2013 season with 1,054 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Tight end Rob Housler improved from his 2012 totals, but the Cardinals could still use a more consistent tight end.

The defense was the pride of the Cardinals in 2013. With stars such as Patrick Peterson and Daryl Washington shutting down opponents all season, the Cardinals finished the year ranking 14th against the pass and first against the rush.

Bruce Arians has Arizona heading in the right direction, but if they do not capitalize on the current talents of the the team, the Super Bowl will fall out of sight. The Cardinals need to make a push for a championship with Palmer and Fitzgerald still on the team. The 2014 NFL Draft will help build the future of the organization, but the Cardinals need to sign experienced players to win a championship now.

Here are five underrated free agents that the Arizona Cardinals should target this offseason.

5. Josh McCown

Getty Images

It may seem odd to add a second aging quarterback to the team, but Josh McCown could easily step in if Palmer became injured. McCown proved he could lead a team with the Chicago Bears, and McCown would be a great addition to the Cardinals for the next few years.

4. Andre Brown

Getty Images

Rashard Mendenhall is not the future of the Arizona running game. Andre Ellington put together a nice rookie season, but he is not big enough to carry a full workload. With the addition of Andre Brown, the Cardinals would have the dual threat running back force that they are looking for.

3. Brandon Myers

Getty Images

Brandon Myers has been a victim of poor quarterback play on both the Oakland Raiders and New York Giants. Myers had a breakout season in 2012 with 806 receiving yards and four touchdowns, and he would be an additional weapon for Palmer.

2. Brandon Spikes

Getty Images

Daryl Washington is an absolute beast, but his off the field issues may force him out of a job. The Cardinals need to have a backup plan if Washington is unable to play. Brandon Spikes had a nice 2013 season with 86 total tackles and one interception. Preparation for anything that may happen will be key for the Cardinals.